News archive

News archive

Federal Judicial Review in Australia

On 24 September 2012, the Administrative Review Council launched its 50th report, Federal Judicial Review in Australia.

Judicial review provides an important avenue of appeal for those affected by government decision making. It is a central feature of Australia's administrative law system. The council's report examines Australia's judicial review system in detail and makes a number of recommendations aimed at improving the accessibility and efficiency of federal judicial review.

The council conducted this inquiry of its own motion in accordance with its statutory functions under section 51 of the Administrative Appeals Tribunal Act 1975.

Administrative Review Council's Annual Report for 2008–09

Launch of the council's latest publication

On 26 August 2009, the Attorney-General launched the Administrative Review Council's revised Guide to Standards of Conduct for Tribunal Members. The guide, first published by the council in 2001, has been updated to reflect the evolving role of tribunals and the changing public expectations of tribunal members. The council continues to focus on core administrative law values—respect for the law, fairness, independence, respect for persons, diligence and efficiency, integrity, and accountability and transparency—and is intended to assist and complement tribunal management in maintaining the high level of standards expected of tribunal members.

ARC Report No. 49

The report focuses on accountability and transparency in the development of business rules. It provides a useful framework of principles and suggested actions for government agencies, and industry and other non-government entities involved in business regulation. The report encompasses regulation by way of 'black letter' law and 'soft law' guidelines and codes.